ÔTHE
HEALING POWER OF WATERÕ
Before
the days of high tech medicine and pill for every ailment the applications of
hot and cold water was a common healing tool used by most cultures including
those of ancient Rome, China, Japan and Native Americans. In western style
cultures it fell out of favor during the dark ages, as did all healing which
was seen as witchery and the work or the devil. A Bavarian monk, Father
Sebastian Kneipp helped re-popularize the therapeutic use of water in the 19th
century.
Known
today as hydrothermal therapy there are now dozens of methods of applying
hydrotherapy including baths, steam baths, saunas, wraps and packs. The
recuperative and healing properties of hydrotherapy are based on its mechanical
and or thermal effects exploiting the bodyÕs reaction to hot or cold stimuli,
the sensation of the pressure of the water on the tissues of the body and the
wonderful feeling of weightlessness that relieves the body from the constant
pull of gravity. These sensations are felt in the skin and then carried deeper
into the body where they are instrumental in stimulating the immune system,
influencing the production of stress hormones, invigorating circulation and
digestion, encouraging blood flow and lessening sensitivity to pain.
Generally
speaking heat quiets and soothes slowing the activity of the internal organs
and cold stimulates and invigorates increasing internal activity. Sore tight
tense muscles will respond well to hot water while a warm shower followed by a
burst of cool water will stimulate and invigorate the mind and the body.
Water
in motion cool or hot proves even more effective. A controlled study of 40
persons at the University of Minnesota, found 85% of the participants preferred
a whirlpool bath to a still bath in reducing stress and anxiety.
Some
precautions:
1. Diabetics should avoid hot applications to the feet
and legs and avoid extended full body heating.
2. Avoid cold applications if you have RaynaudÕs disease.
3. Long immersion baths should be avoided by diabetics,
those with multiple sclerosis, pregnant women and those with high or very low
blood pressure.
4. The elderly and the very young should avoid very hot
or cold baths and should shorten the bath time.
You
can increase the therapeutic effects of hydrotherapy by adding herbs, salts,
vinegars or aroma oils.
1. Use ½ cup of powdered ginger in a tub of water,
or make a very strong ginger tea and pour it into a hot tub to further relieve
the sore muscles, arthritis like symptoms or the aches and pains of the flu.
2. Use a 1-2 cups of vinegar in a warm bath to relieve
aches, pains and arthritis symptoms. Vinegar detoxifies the body and may leave
you feeling ready for bed so plan accordingly.
3. Use Epsom salts, dead sea salts, sulphurized or other
natural salts to detoxify and cleanse.
4. Aromatherapy oils such as lavender, chamomile, basil,
rose or sweet orange will give gentle relief to a stressed mind and body at the
end of a long day.
All
forms of hydrotherapy are best used for 15-20 minutes. You can repeat a bath
twice more in 24 hours for further relief. If you are using hot waters be sure
to drink plenty of water as well. Till next time, Rebecca
9/27/07